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Cairn Terrier
Two Cairn Terriers showing variations in coat colour
Origin	Scotland
Traits Height 9–13 in (23–33 cm) Weight 10–16 lb (4.5–7.3 kg) Coat Abundant shaggy outer coat, soft downy undercoat. Can be cream, deep red, brindle, light gray, apricot or black. Litter size 2-10
Kennel club standards The Kennel Club standard Fédération Cynologique Internationale standard
Dog (domestic dog)

The Cairn Terrier is a terrier breed originating in the Scottish Highlands and recognised as one of Scotland's earliest working dogs.

The name “Cairn Terrier” was a compromise suggestion when the breed was brought to official shows in the United Kingdom in 1909, initially under the name “Short-haired Skye terrier”. This name was not accepted by The Kennel Club when faced with opposition from breeders of the Skye Terrier. The alternative name Cairn Terrier was adopted.

History

Cairn terriers originated in the Scottish Highlands and the Isle of Skye, initially grouped in the "Skye Terrier" class alongside the Scottish and West Highland White Terriers. From the early 1900s, the three were bred separately.

The Kennel Club of the United Kingdom gave the Cairn Terrier a separate register in 1912; the first year of recognition, 134 were registered, and the breed was given Championship status.

Terry was a Cairn Terrier actor who played Toto in the Wizard of Oz.

Description

The Cairn Terrier has a harsh, weather-resistant outer coat that can be black, cream, wheaten, red, sandy, gray, or brindled. Pure black, black and tan, and white are not permitted by many kennel clubs. While registration of white Cairns was once permitted, after 1917, the American Kennel Club required them to be registered as West Highland White Terriers. A notable characteristic of Cairns is that brindled Cairns frequently change colour throughout their lifetimes. It is not uncommon for a brindled Cairn to become progressively more black or silver as it ages. The Cairn is double-coated, with a soft, dense undercoat and a harsh outer coat. A well-groomed Cairn has a rough-and-ready appearance, free of artifice. The Cairn Terrier was registered into the American Kennel Club in 1903.

Cairn Terriers tend to look similar to Norwich Terriers, but with some differences (for example the shaggy fur). The outer layer of fur is shaggy, but they have a soft, downy undercoat. The ideal weight is 4.5-7.3 kg (10-16 lb), and the height 9–13 in (23–33 cm).

Health

A 2015 French study found a life expectancy of 13.42 years. A 2024 UK study found a life expectancy of 14 years for the breed compared to an average of 12.7 for purebreeds and 12 for crossbreeds.

Some of the more common hereditary health problems found in the Cairn are:

• Bronchoesophageal fistula
• Cataracts
• Corneal dystrophy
• Craniomandibular osteopathy (lion jaw)
• Diabetes mellitus
• Entropion
• Hip dysplasia
• Hypothyroidism
• Krabbe disease (globoid cell leukodystrophy)
• Legg–Calvé–Perthes disease
• Lens luxation
• Luxating patella
• Ocular melanosis
• Portosystemic shunt
• Progressive retinal atrophy
• Soft-tissue sarcoma
• Von Willebrand disease

The breed is predisposed to atopic dermatitis.

References

1. "Cairn Terrier History". American Kennel Club. Retrieved 26 October 2014.
2. "swwectc- cairn history". www.swwectc.freeuk.com. Archived from the original on 2018-10-18. Retrieved 2016-11-26.
3. Leroy, G. G.; Phocas, F.; Hedan, B.; Verrier, E.; Rognon, X. (2015). "Inbreeding impact on litter size and survival in selected canine breeds" (PDF). The Veterinary Journal. 203 (1): 74–8. doi:10.1016/j.tvjl.2014.11.008. PMID 25475165. S2CID 27631883. mean=12.23 ± 4.18 median=13.42
4. McMillan, Kirsten M.; Bielby, Jon; Williams, Carys L.; Upjohn, Melissa M.; Casey, Rachel A.; Christley, Robert M. (2024-02-01). "Longevity of companion dog breeds: those at risk from early death". Scientific Reports. 14 (1). Springer Science and Business Media LLC. doi:10.1038/s41598-023-50458-w. ISSN 2045-2322. PMC 10834484.
5. "Health Related Concerns". Cairn Terrier Club of America Inc. Archived from the original on 7 May 2010. Retrieved 12 May 2010.
6. Alex., Gough (2004). Breed predispositions to disease in dogs and cats. Thomas, Alison, 1964–. Oxford, UK: Blackwell Pub. ISBN 978-1405107488. OCLC 53231203.
7. Rhodes, Karen Helton; Werner, Alexander H. (2011-01-25). Blackwell's Five-Minute Veterinary Consult Clinical Companion. Ames, Iowa: Wiley-Blackwell. p. 94. ISBN 978-0-8138-1596-1.

• FCI breeds
• Dog breeds originating in Scotland
• Terriers